ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and dopamine, which aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut, and starts working within hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is appropriate for the patient's condition and the side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go in time as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. Consult your physician if they persist. He can lower the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is important to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This will reduce the risk of addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart problems. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will check their blood pressure and heart rhythm before starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often you should take the medicine and any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine. It is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
It's important to avoid drinking alcohol or other substances while taking this medication. Some people may notice that their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks. You may have to encourage them to drink plenty of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant that is sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children, and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medicines that are altered to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo controlled trials that have demonstrated its efficacy in both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and may have less rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however employed a unique method in a randomized withdrawal trial that followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants over the previous two weeks.
Discuss with your doctor if you have any reactions you may have to this medication or other medications. Also, let your doctor know that you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. You should not breast-feed when taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you feel better, you shouldn't stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. While you're taking this medication the doctor will check your pulse rate and blood pressure.
adhd medication ritalin (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co. 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and attention span in children suffering from ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and gradually increasing. A daily dose of once is common. People who are not metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and a slower elimination of atomoxetine, so it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants and it does not appear to reduce sleep problems. However it has been found to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken in conjunction.
Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally developed to reduce blood pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs have a long time to begin their action, and most children require between two and four weeks before they see any benefits from them. They are not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and possibly fatal adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of substances, some legal and others illegal. They can be employed for a variety of reasons, including performance improvement, to stay awake or alert, and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills that are used for a variety reasons but may not be safe when taken in combination with other medications or some food items.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, even if they are not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some people may feel jittery or shakey. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and cause stomach upset, and can lead to sleep problems.
Some teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may be prone to tics, repetitive movements or noises like eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a minor slowing in their growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for you or your children. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your physician. You should always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first treatment for ADHD is generally medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most popular. Psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for risk of misuse and abuse, and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also, they should be encouraged to store unused medications in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals should regularly assess and monitor patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be placed on drug labels to inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.